We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Finance

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What are the Different Bookkeeping Jobs?

By Carol Francois
Updated: Feb 28, 2024
Views: 11,420
Share

There are three different types of bookkeeping jobs: starting your own small business, working for an accounting firm, and teaching. A bookkeeper is responsible for managing the accounting records for a business or company. They are most often employed by small to medium enterprises and can complete all the accounting requirements, with the exception of an audit, which must be completed by an accountant.

In order to qualify for bookkeeping jobs, you will need a diploma or certificate in bookkeeping or accounting. Admission to these programs requires high school credits in accounting, math, computer technology, and English. In addition to a bookkeeping certificate, candidates can apply for certification. Upon competition, the bookkeeper now has recognized credentials that provide assurances of the candidate's skills in bookkeeping.

The most common source of bookkeeping jobs is to open your own business. The first step is to register your firm with the appropriate government agencies. The next step is to obtain clients. This can be done through advertising, business connections, or referrals.

A very popular method is to have a two-stage plan. In the first stage, find employment with an accounting services firm. Get to know the clients and the accountants. When you are ready to open your own firm, let the clients and your employers know. If they were happy with your work, they will provide referrals and clients will come to you.

There is no conflict, as accounting services firms do not typically provide bookkeeping services. Instead, they focus on audits, financial statement production, and tax filing. If the bookkeeping services are provided by someone trained in their method, there should be less work for them to do.

If you choose to work for an accounting services firm, take the time to learn new skills and expand your role. Volunteer to work with difficult clients or to complete complex review exercises. These processes will provide new skill sets and enhance your knowledge, should you decide to open your own bookkeeping business.

Bookkeepers can become instructors at local community or career colleges, teaching courses to accounting students and other bookkeepers. In order to become an instructor, many bookkeepers complete a certificate program in adult education. Learning the most effective way to teach adults can be a huge help when making this career transition.

People who report the greatest satisfaction in bookkeeping jobs are detail-oriented, meticulous, and enjoy working independently. Although there is a certain degree of socialization when you become a bookkeeper, the vast majority of the work is solitary. If you enjoy a social work environment and interaction with other people, look for positions in an accounting services firm.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wise-geek.com/what-are-the-different-bookkeeping-jobs.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.